DISACCHARIDES AND CYSTIC FIBROSIS OF PANCREAS

Seventeen children with cystic fibrosis of the pancreas have been examined for evidence of disaccharide intolerance. Both a normal and a high carbohydrate diet produced sugars in the urine or stools of half the patients. Correlation of the clinical response with biochemical abnormalities after disaccharide loads showed frank intolerance to lactose in one child who had undergone bowel resection for meconium obstruction. Disaccharide intolerance should be considered in children with cystic fibrosis who have had bowel resection for meconium ileus, or who appear to have more than usually severe gastro-intestinal signs and symptoms. The method of sugar load used, which does not require blood specimens, is useful for children.